Global trends in social innovation applied to local contexts

In an interconnected and dynamic world, social innovation is evolving at a global level, directly impacting the sustainable development of communities at a local level.

BBK Kuna, as a social innovation space in Bizkaia, is at the forefront of these transformations, adopting global trends and adapting them to the local context to enhance community welfare. This approach enables specific local challenges to be addressed with creative and effective solutions, joining forces to create a more balanced and equitable future.

Social innovation: from the global to the local heart

Social innovation focuses on the development of new ideas and practices that address emerging social needs in different ways. According to the World Economic Forum, more than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, which drives the need for creative innovations that can respond to the unique challenges of urbanization, inclusiveness and sustainability.

In Bizkaia, as in other parts of the world, these trends are adopted to improve quality of life, foster social cohesion and promote sustainable economic development.

Let’s look at some of these global trends and how they are applied locally.

Global trends and their local application

Circular economy and sustainability

At a global level, the circular economy is gaining traction as a means to reduce waste and maximize the re-use of resources.

In Bizkaia, BBK Kuna works with local communities to implement circular economy practices in community composting projects and creative recycling workshops that turn waste into useful resources.

Technology and digital inclusion

Technology is a fundamental pillar of modern social innovation. Globally, initiatives that expand broadband internet access and other digital technologies are closing the digital divide.

BBK Kuna has embraced this trend by working with digital skills training programs that empower citizens with the tools they need to be competitive in today’s digital economy.

Community participation and co-creation

Globally, co-creation and community empowerment are critical to inclusive approaches to social innovation. Projects in Bizkaia involve citizens in the design and development of solutions, from neighbourhood groups to living labs that allow the community to experiment and create tangible solutions to local challenges.

Sustainable mobility and smart cities

Innovation in Smart Cities mobility and technology is developing rapidly. BBK Kuna is participating in these trends by promoting local policies that encourage the use of sustainable means of transport, such as bike sharing and efficient public transport connections.

Boosting local innovation through a global perspective

The interaction between global trends and local applications creates a learning cycle where locally implemented innovations not only benefit communities, but also bring valuable lessons to the global social innovation landscape. For example, the sustainability approach in Bizkaia can be used as a model for other regions with similar challenges.

BBK Kuna: a path to the future

Through the harnessing of global trends and their creative application in local contexts such as Bizkaia, BBK Kuna is committed to leading transformations that promote equitable and sustainable social progress.

We invite the community to join this movement, participating in creating solutions that serve to improve daily life and open the door to a brighter future for all citizens. Together we can act locally while thinking globally.